Historians also relate that the Indians worship Jupiter
Ombrius (or, the Rainy), the river Ganges, and the indigenous deities of the country; that when the king washes his
hair,On the day of his birth, Herod. ix. 109. a great feast is celebrated, and large presents are sent,
each person displaying his wealth in competition with his
neighbour.

They say, that some of the gold-digging myrmeces (ants)
have wings; and that the rivers, like those of Iberia,Of Armenia. bring
down gold-dust.

In processions at their festivals, many elephants are in the
train, adorned with gold and silver, numerous carriages
drawn by four horses and by several pairs of oxen; then follows a body of attendants in full dress, (bearing) vessels of
gold, large basins and goblets, an orguiaAbout 6 feet. in breadth, tables,
chairs of state, drinking-cups, and lavers of Indian copper,
most of which were set with precious stones, as emeralds,
beryls, and Indian carbuncles; garments embroidered and interwoven with gold; wild beasts, as buffaloes,The text is corrupt. Tzschucke's emendation is adopted, viz. βόνασοι. Groskurd translates the word by hump-backed oxen, or zebus. panthers, tame
lions, and a multitude of birds of variegated plumage and of
fine song.

Cleitarchus speaks of four-wheeled carriages bearing trees
with large leaves, from which were suspended (in cages) different kinds of tame birds, among which the orionÆlian de Nat. Anima. xvii. 21. was said to
possess the sweetest note, but the catreusBird of paradise? was the most beautiful in appearance, and had the most variegated plumage. In
shape it approached nearest to the peacock, but the rest of
the description must be taken from Cleitarchus.